2008 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

Vintage Notes: The 2008 Vintage in the Sonoma Coast was marked by extremely cold Spring temperatures and devastating frost that wreaked havoc across the appellation. The summer did warm up nicely and due to the low yields from the frost, the harvest occurred in early September and finished up right as a heat wave bore down on the region.

Vineyard Notes: 2008 was the first year that Terra Valentine began sourcing fruit from beyond the Russian River Valley. We found a vineyard that is located at the extreme western edge of Sonoma County up on Kings Ridge that looks right onto Marcassin, Hirsch, and Red Car. We sourced three clones, 115, 777 and 828 and blended these with 115 and Pommard from another vineyard in Freestone that is even cooler..

Winemaking Notes: The 2008 Pinot Noir was handpicked on September 5th- 8th. Grapes were destemmed into open top fermenters, cold soaked for 5 days and then fermented for 9 days for a total of 14 days of skin contact. Due to the concentration and weight of the wine, we extended the barrel ageing to 17 months in 33% new French oak to allow for the evolution of the tannins.

Tasting Notes: Ripe raspberry, cherry and pomegranate fruits dominate a sweet core of chocolate, caramel and saltwater taffy aromas. As the wine opens, the cedar, black pepper and allspice complement the bright fruit. Lush on the palette as the cherry and raspberry flavors meld with the soft round tannins for a long balanced finish